On April 25, 2015, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, with the epicenter near Kathmandu – home to 2.5 million people where career missionaries David and Karen Freeman have served since 2004. With the death toll now exceeding 5,000 and the injured near 10,000 in the region, tens of thousands are seeking refuge in open spaces and temporary camps setup in the Kathmandu valley. More than 80 percent of health facilities in the affected area have been extensively damaged, forcing treatments to be done outside.
It is reported to have been the largest earthquake to hit the small South Asian country since 1934. At least two of Freeman’s church families have lost their entire homes. Assessments are still pending on the church’s 5 story building which houses an orphanage, church auditorium, pastor’s home and missionary’s home while the orphans and many church families are staying in tents. While they are praising the Lord for their safety, things will be in a desperate situation for many weeks to come until clean water, food and shelter are secured.
Kshitiz and Sahaj Ghimire graduated from BBC this month. They are both from Nepal and are the sons of a national pastor. Their father was brought to Christ through BBFI missionary David Freeman. They have a church in the capital and also care for 12 children in their orphanage. Since the devastating earthquake they have been working to meet the needs of people around them in the name of Jesus. Still ahead of them is the difficult process of recovery and rebuilding.
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Kshitiz recently recounted his story of growing up and accepting Christ in a country that knows so little about Jesus. In a country deep in Hinduism, only 1% of the Nepal people are Christians. Their hope is that help given will open the hearts of these people to hear the story of Jesus. What they need most is this gospel and we can make a difference as a Fellowship.Recently a donor approached us promising to match every dollar raised up to $50,000 by July 1. Please consider what your church can do to help during this crisis.
Please send your contributions to “Nepal Relief” to BBFI Mission Office, PO Box 191, Springfield, MO, 65803, or you can give online at www.bbfimissions.org (QR code will take you directly to the Mission Office website to donate).